A STUDENT JOURNEY THROUGH STRUGGLES AND HOPE

June 28, 2025 Community Billboard

The dream was clear: finish school, make her parents proud, and build a better life. But things didn’t go as planned. There were times when money was not enough, and enrollment became impossible. While classmates moved forward, the journey paused, waiting for the right time to return. Each time the opportunity to study came back, a new problem followed. But giving up was never an option. Even when things got hard, the choice was always to keep going. The belief stayed firm: as long as there was progress, even slow, the goal would be reached.

Because of the delays, the student became irregular. This meant not being able to take all subjects at once. Classes had to be taken with students from other courses and year levels. Constant adjustment became part of the routine. Every new class felt like starting from scratch. The old batchmates—the ones who began the journey—were missed. Classrooms were now full of strangers. It was difficult to speak up, join groups, or feel a sense of belonging.

There were times when fitting in felt impossible. Most classmates already had their own groups, especially during group work. Still, tasks were completed. Projects were finished. The desire to graduate was stronger than fear. New friendships were formed. Now comes internship. The hardships faced along the way became the reason to work harder. The goal is now within reach.

Schedules kept changing. Some days started as early as 7:30 in the morning, others ended as late as 7:30 in the evening. With time and effort, patience became a daily practice. There were days without money for food or transportation. Long walks to school became normal. Even with an empty stomach, focus in class never wavered. Sometimes, it felt like there was no place to belong. Still, every class was attended. One thought kept coming back: “It’s okay to get a 75, as long as I pass and finish my studies.” Those words made a difference.

Teachers noticed the effort. Even without speaking much, the focus and seriousness stood out. Classmates saw the same quiet responsibility. From this journey came more than classroom lessons. Life taught strength, patience, and how to deal with different kinds of people. Even when things got heavy, the will to move forward stayed. Now, the end of the journey is near. Graduation is just around the corner. Excitement grows not only for the diploma but for the moment when proud parents will finally see the dream come true. Their support, despite financial struggles, never faded. This is not just a story about school. This is a story about strength, family, and never giving up. The road may have taken longer, but every step led to something greater—a dream slowly turning into reality, and a future finally within reach.

Reanne Gretchelle P. Columbres / UC-Intern